Uticopa Blog

Recognise the signs

As we get older, the difficult changes that many face - such as the death of a spouse or medical problems - can lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support system. But depression is not a normal or necessary part of ageing. In fact, most older people are satisfied with their lives despite the challenges of growing old.

Left alone, depression not only prevents older adults from enjoying life as they should, it also takes a heavy toll on health. But if you learn how to spot the signs of depression and find effective ways to help, you or your loved ones can remain happy and vibrant throughout the golden years.

Some major signs:

• Sadness
• Fatigue
• Abandoning or losing interest in hobbies
• Social withdrawal and isolation (reluctance to be with friends, engage in activities, or leave home)
• Weight loss; loss of appetite
• Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, oversleeping, or daytime sleepiness)
• Loss of self-worth (worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing)
• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
• Fixation on death; suicidal thoughts or attempts

Some more subtle clues to look out for:

Older adults who deny feeling sad or depressed may still have major depression:

• Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains
• Hopelessness
• Helplessness
• Anxiety and worries
• Memory problems
• Loss of feeling of pleasure
• Slowed movement
• Irritability
• Lack of interest in personal care (skipping meals, forgetting medicines, neglecting personal hygiene)

Causes of depression in the elderly 

• Loneliness and isolation. Living alone; a dwindling social circle due to deaths or relocation; decreased mobility due to illness or loss of driving privileges.
• Reduced sense of purpose. Feelings of purposelessness or loss of identity due to retirement or physical limitations on activities.
• Health problems. Illness and disability; chronic or severe pain; cognitive decline; damage to body image due to surgery or disease.
• Medications. Many prescription medicines can trigger or exacerbate depression.
• Fears. Fear of death or dying; anxiety over financial problems or health issues.
• Recent bereavement. The ever-increasing death toll of friends, family members, and pets; the loss of a spouse or partner.

How to recognise the difference between grief and depression

Although a grieving person may experience a number of depressive symptoms such as frequent crying and profound sadness, grief is a natural and healthy response to bereavement and other major losses. There is a difference, however, between a normal grief reaction and one that is disabling or unrelenting. While there’s no set timetable for grieving, if it doesn’t let up over time or extinguishes all signs of joy – such as laughing at a good joke, brightening in response to a hug, appreciating a beautiful sunset - it may well be depression.

Depression without sadness

Older adults don't always fit the typical picture of depression. Many depressed seniors don’t claim to feel sad at all. They may complain, instead, of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or headaches that have gotten worse, are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly.

Older adults with depression are also more likely to show symptoms of anxiety or irritability. They may constantly wring their hands, pace around the room, or fret obsessively about money, their health, or the state of the world.

How older people can help themselves

If you’re depressed, you may not want to do anything or see anybody. But isolation and inactivity only make depression worse. The more active you are - physically, mentally, and socially - the better you’ll feel.

Some ways to combat and prevent depression include:

Getting out in to the world: Try not to stay cooped up at home all day. Go to the park, take a trip to the hairdresser, or have lunch with a friend.

Connecting to others:  Limit the time you’re alone. If you can’t get out to socialize, invite loved ones to visit you, or keep in touch over the phone or email.

Participate in activities you enjoy: Pursue whatever hobbies or pastimes bring or used to bring you joy.

Volunteer:  Helping others is one of the best ways to feel better about yourself and regain perspective.

Take care of a pet: Get a pet to keep you company.

Learn a new skill: Pick something that you’ve always wanted to learn, or that sparks your imagination and creativity.

Enjoy jokes and stories: Laughter provides a mood boost, so swap humorous stories and jokes with your loved ones, watch a comedy, or read a funny book.

Maintain a healthy diet: Avoid eating too much sugar and junk food. Choose healthy foods that provide nourishment and energy, and take a daily multivitamin.

Exercise: Even if you’re ill, frail, or disabled, there are many safe exercises you can do to build your strength and boost your mood—even from a chair or wheelchair.

Remember: you have a wealth of experiences and lifetime knowledge to benefit those younger than yourself. Don’t let depression stop you from passing on all this hard-gained wisdom.